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The fact Bruce Arians mentioned undrafted rookie receiver Jaron Brown the other day (and Charles Hawkins, for that matter) may in the end mean nothing. Impressing in June is not the same thing as impressing in August, when, as Arians has brought up time and time again, the lights go on and players can change. But it was tough not to notice that Brown got a lot of work in multi-receiver sets, especially late in the offseason work when Michael Floyd was protecting a testy hamstring. With Ryan Swope absent with his head issues, the door is open for some unknown receivers to make a push for a roster spot.

The Cardinals have had a recent history of finding some receivers from nowhere this time of year. This was the time when Steve Breaston first turned some heads in 2008, and while Breaston was a fifth-round draft pick in his second season, he was never thought of as a guy with that potential before that summer. There was Stephen Williams in 2010. And Byrd last year. This time, it was No. 13 — Brown — who seemed to be everywhere.

“There is always room to improve, come out and get better every day,” Brown said, who said he didn’t know anything about the Cards and their history of undrafted receivers. “I know I’m undrafted and a rookie and I’m trying to learn as much as I can.”

Brown isn’t the only young candidate. Arians mentioned Hawkins and Robert Gill (who as an arena veteran isn’t exactly a rookie, but falls into the same kind of category) as guys who have stood out. Those guys have some speed, which is a component Arians seeks in the receiving corps. Brown, by the way, ran a 4.4 himself at his pro day, so he’s not exactly slow. The caveat that always comes with the receivers who flash in the offseason? It’s easy to flash in shorts, knowing you won’t get hit going over the middle.

“I know how good they play soccer right now,” Arians said. “Football is a noise-level game and the noise-level scares some guys. Other guys love it. That’s what we’ve got to find.”

Jaron Brown or anyone else on the Cardinals could “impress” by leading the NFL in August(preseason games) and end up riding the Cardinals bench for most of the year/regular season – 217 yards in 60 attempts. It happened just last year. If we have a player that does the same this year, here is an idea…that player is ready to start(healthier) the first game of the season and deserves to start.

Based on the glimpses of Mendenhall I’ve seen in the videos he is looking exciting. So balanced, quick and powerful. And his heads always up. If that guy stays healthy he could be a BEAST in a ‘prove it’ year!

FYI,
Warner played 6 seasons and 53 games for the Rams. 2 superbowls, 1 win

Warner played 5 seasons and 61 games with the Cardinals. 1 superbowl.

No, I dont think his number should be retired by either team.

cardsalltheway;

William Powell made the team ! thats what all those stats did for him. He will need another huge camp to make the team again. Believe me, Brown is hoping he impresses enough to make the team. Fitz, Floyd and Roberts will be on the field. If Swope is healthy, he will be the 4th guy. Brown sees a crack in the roster as Swope is hurt and Byrd isn’t claiming it.

Remember in 2010, Victor Cruz was a UDFA and made the team because he impressed in the 3rd and 4th quarter of pre-season. In 2011, he took advantage of his opportunity and is now a star getting paid.

The Cardinals equipment guy should just put jersey numbers 13 and 24 on the shelf and not issue them out to anyone. These two numbers will always have a special spot in the hearts of Arizona Cardinal fans…

4.4 at “pro day” Whoop dee doo! You can easily add a second to that. 4.5 never sounds as good as 4.4 but still fast. Noise level game? Hey B.A. have you ever been to a soccer game? What a stupid comment!!!!

Only five players have had their number retired in the Cardinals long history. Stan Mauldin (77) died of a heart attack after a game. J.V. Cain (88) died during training camp. Marshall Goldberg (99), who is also in the College Football Hall of Fame, played for the Chicago Cardinals from 1939 to 1943. He then went to fight in the war, came back to the Cardinals, and won the 1947 NFL Championship. Pat Tillman’s (40) story is well known, and Larry Wilson (8) not only changed the game of football with the safety blitz, but he stayed with the Cardinals for 30 more years — eventually serving as GM from 1980-93.

I think a Super Bowl ring would have sealed the deal, but I don’t see Kurt Warner’s number being retired, even when he makes the Hall of Fame. Then again, who knows?

Criminy Cardsalltheway, we know how bitter you are that Powell, in your mind, never got the shot he deserved, but (a) we’re now in the BA era, so how about filing away your complaints about Whiz not giving rookies enough of a chance unless/until BA shows the same tendency (which seems unlikely given his emphasis on youth), and (b) considering that not a single NFL team saw fit to draft Powell, shouldn’t the Cards get some credit for extending him a shot at all? Would you ever have even heard of William Powell if they hadn’t given him a chance to run up those preseason yards, presumably in an effort to keep Beanie and RW healthy?

Okay then since 90% didn’t like my first comment they’ll love this…we should start our 1st or 2nd round draft pick(s) even if they don’t do much during the summer/OTA’s or preseason games because their health was questionable while any of our other RB’s, WR’s, etc…stepped in and led the NFL in preseason stats.

In fact that goes the same for D. Washington, even though he won’t be practicing with the team or play in games 1-4, he should automatically start game 5 and get most of the playing time no matter if any of our LB’s did the NFL’s best in preseason and good in games 1-4.

Darren:
Were you planning to do a piece on the NFL’s new “bag” rule and clarification about what and what is not permissible? In my opinion, this is beyond obsurd, and is only going to make fans angry(ier), with many opting to stay at home and watch the game in comfort without restrictions. More people will be going to sports bars, having game day parties and ultimately this is going to take a bite out of already sagging ticket sales. I have always been impressed by the efficient ant curteous manner Cardinal security does it’s sanning and security checks upon entering a game, it has never been a problem with causing long wait lines and I have always felt safe. The fact is, no place is 100% secure these days and if someone is Hell bent on distruction they will find a way. This entire hullabaloo over bags and carrying cases only serves to give attentionn seeking individuals ideas for creating problems where none have existed. For the NFL to say this is all about “fan safety” is garbage. People see it for what it is, a way to fleece the public even further beyond the ticket prices that the majoriy of working class citizens can no longer afford. I have been going to games since I was a child and the Cardinal stadium is one of the best family venues in the country; it is clean, well monitoried, security does an exemplary job and this is really unnecessary. When everyone alters their lives and live in fear then the terrorist and criminal element have won without ever doing anything beyond planting the seed of doubt and fear!

At first, I thought what is the big deal. Why are people wanting to bring in backpacks anyway. Then I saw the rule (per Darren)

I absolutely agree with you. My goodness, women can’t bring in a purse larger than a clutch bag. What is next, the stadium security is going to listen to our phone calls? What a joke guys.

Why do we always want to dance around the truth instead of taking it head on? 99% of the issues are alcohol related. Fans come in the door drunk and then continue to buy more. I’ve seen fans of the same team fight before kickoff because they are drinking and feeling brave.

But many fans would not go to games if alcohol was eliminated. Plus, it has to be the biggest money maker at the stadium. Too much lost revenue to take on the cause of most of the problems.

So, in the name of safety, we will stop a middle aged women with a shoulder purse.

Shut up and get off of this site. If you are a true CARDS fan, then be part of the conversation, not a “dufess” that makes all types of comments about other’s comments. Be a “FAN”, not an immature wanna-be fan. BA is the coach. You are a person sitting at home. Sit a home. Just be part of this new era.

You have a first class guy in Jaron Brown and one heck of a football player. Third down Brown is the name to watch for on Sunday. Wait and see what this kid can do with the ball and he is not afraid to make contact across the middle.

The league office said that taking Magnesium alleviates/reduces concussive symptoms & can help speed recovery for players suffering from this problem,(also using ultra pure MSM in conjunction w/Magnesium enhances the supportive effects.)This information should be utilized to help players who may not be aware of this.

“I know how good they play soccer right now,” Arians said. “Football is a noise-level game and the noise-level scares some guys. Other guys love it. That’s what we’ve got to find.”

You do know the coach was referring to the pads hitting right? It is a noise level game means when you start hearing the helmet cracking, some guys fade away.

Soccer was referring to the guys running around in shorts.

So to clarify so you dont think it was a stupid comment.
Some guys are good in shorts but when the pads come on and they begin to hit, some guys fade away and some guys rise up. He is looking for the guys who rise up in the pads.